Your Business | Voices Unlike the first step, which can be implemented by putting the right processes, resources and accountability measures in place, this step takes deliberate internal, individual effort on an ongoing basis. It’s also more difficult to hold those around us accountable. As I reflect on a few areas that help to drive collaboration, there are three areas that stand out: 1 Communication And Goal Setting Effective communication is a vital component of driving collaboration. As a leader, it’s important to continually emphasize how each department’s and each person’s work contributes to the overarching project, goal, mission and vision. By setting goals that communicate the importance of collaboration, you ensure that everyone is aligned and motivated toward common objectives, underlining the importance of teamwork and collective success. 2 Making Investments That Result In Collaboration A person can only do so much to drive collaboration without the right tools, resources and environment. Putting the right things in place, such as project management and communication tools, along with creating a collaborative workplace, can take a time or financial investment. For instance, at PPAI, we’re currently working to improve our workspace to provide our team with a more collaborative environment that will better support our team and, ultimately, allow us to better serve our members. 3 Motivate Continued Collaboration Acknowledging, recognizing, rewarding and celebrating collaborative efforts are all ways to motivate people and teams to continue working together effectively. Integrating collaboration into performance metrics and reviews, as well as offering bonuses related to collaboration, can reinforce the value placed on collaboration within the organization. Outcomes The realization of true collaboration can transform an organization from the inside out. Although it’s difficult to achieve, the outcomes make the effort well worth it for both leaders and organizations. A few of these are highlighted below: • Increased productivity: Teams that work well together streamline processes and reduce redundancies, leading to more efficient and effective use of resources. • Reduced silos: Encouraging knowledge sharing and transparency, cross-functional coordination and improved communications will lead to smoother operations, more cohesive strategies and earlier identification and mitigation of potential risks. • Enhanced innovation: Increased idea-sharing and brainstorming lead to creative problem-solving, giving companies a competitive edge. • Job joy: Employees feel valued when involved and given the opportunity to contribute. This drives the discretionary effort all leaders are after and reduces turnover. • Better customer outcomes: Collaboration ensures that customer needs and feedback are integrated across functions, driving satisfaction and loyalty. Leading By Example Leaders who foster collaboration build stronger, more effective teams, which results in the leaders themselves being stronger and more influential. Leading with collaboration improves the overall performance and cultural fabric of an organization, all of which drives sustainable success. While setting out to build collaboration in your organization can be an arduous journey, the rewards will certainly be worth it. Tucker is vice president of revenue and expositions at PPAI. Let’s face it, fostering and achieving a truly collaborative culture within an organization is difficult. However, the rewards of leading with collaboration are immense. PPAI • SEPTEMBER 2024 • 23
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